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Sunday, 22 March 2015

Lindybop 'Ally' Cardigan & Heart Print Tights

First of all, I need to update you that my blog is now hosted at www.porcelinasworld.com rather than at blogspot! If you're on Bloglovin, you might want to visit my new page there, because apparently I no longer have any followers!! Slightly alarming...

Today's post is an outfit post and Lindybop review in one, where I give my verdict on the 'Ally' cardigan. Any excuse to show off more of the Welsh scenery. The setting may look secluded in these photos but we were to the side of a well-travelled road, and I had a few boy racers going past honking their horns, which gave me a fit of the giggles!

Cardigan: 'Ally' by Lindybop

Skirt: Me made

Heart print tights: Primark

Heeled brogues: J Shoes via TK Maxx

Hang on, did I just say that the skirt was made? Yes, you're right readers, though I can hardly believe it myself. Many years ago I made a huge effort to learn some sewing skills, including attending classes and downloading patterns off the internet. This was the second skirt I ever made, so don't look too closely because it's a bit wonky in places!!

As for the 'Ally' cardigan, I received it as a Christmas present, and was surprised at first that it's not made of the typical stretch knit fabric that cardigans usually are. The fabric is more like a little jacket and it's a polyester type fabric, which I'm not the biggest fan of as I find them a bit scratchy and not that breathable. However, as a 'jacket', i.e. with layers underneath, I found it perfectly fine and the brilliant thing was that it didn't crease, even when I threw it on the floor one night and picked it up the next morning to put on again.

I normally wear a Lindybop size 12 (when they get their sizing right!) and this cardigan was true to size. Because it's not a stretch knit though, you may find that there's less give in it than other cardigans, which may be an issue if you're larger busted. The only small alteration I might do is sew the ends of the bow down, as they tend to flop forward like sad bunny ears.

It's not a cropped length, so it doesn't sit quite right over full, '50s style skirts, or high-waisted trousers. I wore it with an a-line skirt, but it would also work well over fitted, 'wiggle' style dresses. I can see myself wearing it more as a light jacket when the weather warms up.

As of the time of publishing, Lindybop were out of stock of the 'Ally' cardigan (£19.99), but I tracked down the cardigan on Amazon here, albeit for a small price increase to £23.99.

The 'Ally' cardigan was a Christmas present from the husband-to-be. All views are my own.

36 comments:

Such a cute looking cardigan :) Looks like it can hold its shape very well, even though the fabric isn't stretchy like usual knitwear.Lindy Bop is an odd brand considering they have original dresses/tops and skirts, but also copied tops. I've noticed they had perfect copies of some Collectif Dolores tops previously, but they were either sold out or taken out. I don't fancy Made in China all that much either (mainly because their dresses don't fit well for tall people with long backs).

You are quite right - with such a wealth of original designs it's a bit shameful that they've felt the need to do some blatant copies! They've started a 'Made in Britain' range so it will be interesting to see where that leads. Have a super Sunday! Xx

Great job on the skirt! I bet you could easily pimp up a charity shop cardi to look like the one you're wearing then you could have a cosier fabric and a more cropped length.Gorgeous photos and stunning scenery. Always good to see more of wonderful Wales! x

That's a good idea - it would indeed be simple to pop a bow and some contrast buttons on an existing cardi. I should remember that, because a while ago I was hankering after a top from 'Fever' that was really quite simple. I think if I'd bought this cardi myself I may have returned it, but as it was a gift I'm happy to hang on to it. X

Hello.I would have to say "yes" to all of the clothing items (and to that chunky RING you've got there, on your finger) :)The skirt is well made, you should be proud of yourself, dear. And, if you are not happy with it, you know what they say "practice makes perfect".. or what I like saying "practice make my wardrobe fuller" :)

I have a top with a bow on at the top like this and I do love it - but your cardigan is much cuter! Weird about the fabric though... I'd hate that. If I don't have stretch over the bust buttons are lost (and are a health hazard) - I'm not even that 'chesty', but I really do need the bit of elasticity for a good fit in this kind of thing. Anyway, I love you in a bow and I'm very impressed at your skirt effort (I can't even hem, so I'm in awe at your talents regardless of imperfections!). You look super cute and top marks for the backdrop, as usual ;) hope you had a lovely weekend! xx

I need more bows in my life!! Vix just pointed out that a cardi like this would be super easy to customise. I'm inspired! Know what you mean about the stretch, this cardi wouldn't suit someone chesty at all, I just about fit in it! Hope you've had a super weekend too x

Love the bright colour of the cardigan, and the wonderfully impressive backdrop! I don't think anyone else ever notices wonky sewing on homemade pieces, only the person who made them sees the flaws. xxx

That is such a charming, eye-catchingly fantastic looking cardigan (shame about the fabric though - thank you for informing us of that). I love that Lindy Bop is branching out into more and more types of garments. This past Christmas I bought my first (and to date only) four dresses from them and adore them to bits. I'd love to invest in some of their skirts, crinolines, cardis, etc one day, too (perhaps next Christmas! :)).

I also have 4 (maybe 5?) Of their dresses, but have found the fit to vary wildly! I also have a Lindybop petticoat but am afraid I find the fabric incredibly scratchy and plan to upgrade to a chiffon one when funds allow. X

I'm loving the pops of red showing up on people's blog and this cardigan is such a beautiful shade of red. I am sooo in like with the whole outfit. The pokla dots,the tights, the shoes, and that fantastic skirt. Koodos to you on making it yourself!

such a beautiful cardigan, great look. Thanks for linking up with the Thursday Files and I hope to see you at my thursday linkup http://www.alabouroflife.com/2015/03/two-for-one-link-up-for-labour-of.html

Aw thank you very much, I have just been checking out the wonderous archives on your own blog! So much inspiration. I did make the skirt, but a long time ago now - my sewing skills have never been that great. I might try a few simple things over the summer this year though.